Ukrainian League champion Azovmash Mariupol switched head coached just one day before the start of the Eurocup season. Rimas Girskis stepped down this weekend and resigned from his job.
Azovmash quickly found a replacement in Andrei Podkovyrov, who will coach the team against Galatasaray Cafe Crown tomorrow.
Girskis had led Azovmash to its golden age since he joined the team in December 2004. Girskis coached Azovmash to win four consecutive Ukrainian League titles from 2005 to 2009. He also lifted three Ukrainian Cup trophies and made it to the 2007 FIBA EuroCup title game, losing against Akasvayu Girona.
Azovmash had a slow start in the 2009-10 Ukrainian League season, winning just 3 of its 8 opening games. Podkovyrov, age 48, previously coached Azovmash from 2002 to 2004. He has also coached Basket Kiev and Cherkassy Monkeys in Ukraine, Euras Ekaterinburg in Russia, PAEEK Nicosia in Cyprus and Energa Czarni Slupsk in Poland. He helped Azovmash to win the Ukrainian League title in 2004.
Azovmash also released point guard Marius Prekevicius and is close to signing center Volodymyr Gurtovoy.
